Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

Seeker: Dear Ramji, the scandal around Swami Suddhananda has been bothering me. As you know, he was my teacher and I still love him, but I cannot go to see him anymore. I don’t understand how this can happen. He was such a good teacher. Can you perhaps explain it to me?

Ramji: The Suddhananda story is a case of self-realization but not self-actualization. His ego co-opted the knowledge and remained in control of the sex vasana. I call it “enlightenment sickness.” Had he fully assimilated the knowledge “I am awareness,” the knowledge would have rooted out the vasana eventually. When all the binding vasanas are rooted out, you are self-actualized. When the knowledge is firm you can’t violate dharma. You are dharma. His vasana was more powerful than his knowledge. He has some work to do.

This is Isvara’s way of telling him that he has work to do. He is very conflicted because if he wants to indulge that vasana then he needs to take off the orange robe. But he can’t take it off, because it is his power. He needs it to lure the women and get money. What woman is going to shag an aging Indian that has no glory or does not hold out the prospect of enlightenment? From what I understand, these women, however, were not sex- or power-crazed like many of the Western women who go to India to bag a swami or a yogi. They were the vulnerable types, so this is a particularly egregious violation of dharma.

The right thing for him to do is to start again, take off the orange clothes because it is a total violation of sanyassi dharma and teach as a householder, making it clear that he has vasanas. It is the deceit and the abuse of power that is the issue, not sex.

I met him several times and had some nice chats. But from the beginning I felt that there was something about him that was not right, that he was hiding something. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and recommended him. I am sorry I did, but what to do except give an explanation for those students of his that are suffering from it?

~ Love, Ramji

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us